The horsepower debate has lingered for a long time now in NASCAR circles. But over the past few weeks, it has gained momentum among some prominent drivers. Denny Hamlin was the first big name to bring up the topic, claiming that any hike in horsepower would not harm engine bills. Kyle Larson also claimed that a 1000 hp policy be rolled out in no more than a week. But Kyle Busch has added fuel to this fire.

The Next Gen cars have improved intermediate track racing but are uneventful on shorter tracks. Though NASCAR had aero package tricks up its sleeve to improve passing on these tracks, the fruits are not so sweet. Racers are adamant in demanding an increase in horsepower, which produces the real difference in smoother racing. Now, Kyle Busch dropped an irrefutable take on the topic.

Kyle Busch grabs NASCAR by the collar in the horsepower debate

Once upon a time, cars released massive power while racing on NASCAR tracks. The horsepower output was above 900 in the mid-2010s. However, those days are gone as now in 2024, cars can only race with 670 hp, on par with any sports car available in an automobile showroom. But the flames of revolution have been ignited, as drivers are calling for a return to real racing.

FOX reporter Bob Pockrass recently shared an interview with Kyle Busch. He asked the driver if an increase in horsepower would impact other components of a race car. Busch responded, “I would say the only thing that would be a limiting factor might be the transaxle. But honestly, I’ve never really looked inside one or seen the components of one to see how sturdy the gears are. That would about be the only thing in my book of just knowing whether or not it would withstand the horsepower gain.”

Answering his own query, Busch added, “I would imagine that it would, that it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. I think Xtrac builds transmissions and such for off-road racing and things like that where there’s over a 1000 horsepower. I’m sure they’re used to, or at least have experience in that realm of the higher horsepower.”

Kyle Busch further consolidated his stance, “Brakes are fine. We don’t blow the tires off enough, I think that’s what we’re all kinda talking about. We need these things to be faster going into the corner, utilizing the brakes more, utilizing the tires more, having an opportunity to overdrive the cars more to burn the tires up, and see guys struggle more over a run.”

Busch may be asking for a hike in horsepower. But if you refresh your memory, that photo finish at the Las Vegas race where Busch almost won had reasons. Veteran NASCAR driver Mike Wallace pointed out that the three-wide finish was possible due to low horsepower. Back in the day, that three-wide situation would have set the stage for a massive wreck.

Looking ahead, Busch was confused about how Bristol would fare for him. His apprehensions were right, at least in the Truck race.

Busch had foreseen a troubled fate at Bristol

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The Truck Series race at Bristol got over just a while back. And the 65-time Truck winner found himself fumbling at the revamped track. Kyle Busch was in close contention for a victory, but an untimely yellow flag hindered his progress. The No. 7 driver for Spire Motorsports was also spun out by another driver. The newly dressed track also posed a problem for him.

Busch had earlier expressed doubts about his performance in Bristol. “We won here with this car on the dirt surface, but I would say that since we’ve been bringing the new Next Gen car to the concrete surface, I have not found my way with it yet. I definitely had a way with understanding this place; having a sense of setup, how to drive it, and whatnot with the old stuff, but not with the new stuff.”

Yet Kyle Busch is gearing up for an improved game at the Cup race in Bristol. Starting from the 14th spot, Busch and the No. 12 RCR team will work on their mistakes and fight for their season’s first victory.

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